39:3-76.2o Findings, declarations relative to unattended children in motor vehicles.

1. The Legislature finds and declares that:

a. Statistics show that, on average, 38 children die each year from heat-related deaths after being trapped inside motor vehicles, and even the most well intentioned parents or caregivers can unknowingly leave a sleeping baby in a car resulting in the child's injury or even death.

b. The temperature of a vehicle, even with an open window, can rise rapidly and a child may easily incur heat stroke, causing brain damage or death within minutes.

c. In addition to heat stroke, the consequences of leaving a child unattended in and around a motor vehicle include the dangers of abduction, strangulation, trunk entrapment, being run over, and personal injuries caused by accidental and uncontrolled movement of the vehicle.

d. While motor vehicle related injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the United States, the deaths and injuries caused by leaving children unattended in and around motor vehicles are predictable and preventable and can be greatly reduced with increased awareness of the risks associated with this dangerous practice.

e. A public awareness campaign to provide information to, and promote educational programs for, families, teachers, and community members regarding the dangers of children being left unattended in and around motor vehicles is in the public interest and will serve the interests of public safety in this State.

L.2017, c.345, s.1.